BRUSSELS
The European Union is ready to help rebuild trust between Iran and its neighbors, said the EU foreign policy chief on Monday.
Federica Mogherini's remarks come before the EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.
"We have achieved a historical agreement with Iran on its nuclear program that opens also the way for a different framework in the region," said Mogherini.
Negotiators from Iran and the P5+1 group in the Austrian capital of Vienna signed a final agreement last Tuesday, bringing to a close nearly two years of contentious talks that focused on providing Iran with dire needed sanctions relief in return for unprecedented curbs and inspections on its nuclear program.
"The starting point is the security of the region, the security of the neighbors. Making sure that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. First of all, it is a security issue for the region and for the entire world," said Mogherini.
The chief added the deal was a demonstration of the success of diplomacy.
"It is also a possibility for rebuilding trust between Iran and its neighbors and between Iran and the international community. It is not an agreement based on trust, as [U.S. President Barack] Obama mentioned but it is an agreement that can lead to trust," she said.
"The EU is ready to play its role to help and to facilitate the rebuilding of trust in the region," she said.
Meanwhile, before the meeting, U.K. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond also commented, saying: "We hope to see an Iran that is less negative in its dealings in the region and then starts to behave as a more constructive power in the region."
Hammond added that the EU plays an important role in this regard.
"In Iranian mythology, relationships with the U.S. are very difficult. Relationships with Europe are less difficult. Therefore, we perhaps have an opportunity to play a role in trying to encourage Iran to think about moderating its behavior in the region," said Hammond.
On Monday, the U.N. Security Council will vote on a draft resolution endorsing the deal on Iran's nuclear program.
